Transferring Sustainable Knowledge: From Kenya to Indonesia

One of the keys to unlocking sustainable development is the transfer of knowledge around the world. With success stories helping to inspire and inform other initiatives. 

Haller Kenya had the pleasure of hosting Hendry Sianipar for a two week residency earlier this year. His experience not only proved to be immensely successful, but serves as an inspiring testament to the power of transferring regenerative knowledge and expertise.  

Hendry said: “This experience has been nothing short of transformative, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills in the field of conservation and sustainable farming.”  

Hendry worked with Dr Rene Haller to gain a deeper understanding of land rehabilitation with a biological approach, as well as regenerative agricultural practices, including pest management and control. 

Dr Haller came to Kenya over half a century ago and successfully transformed a desolate former quarry into a thriving ecosystem supporting hundreds of birds, insects and animal species. 

His life work was the inspiration behind the establishment of the Haller Foundation in 2004, aiming to bring together people and the ecosystems they inhabit together in harmony. The charity has helped tens of thousands of smallholder farmers around the world to implement more regenerative, sustainable techniques. Not only boosting their crop yields in the short term, but offering a path to longer term improvement of soil condition and biodiversity. 

As part of the work, our team in Kenya has a demonstration plot, at which they hold sessions for local smallholders on specific techniques and practices. Throughout his stay in Kenya, Hendry was able to attend and learn from these sessions, which cover issues such as composting, water conservation and pest control. 

 Attending these sessions, some of which were run by Dr Haller, had a huge impact on Hendry’s understanding of conservation and regenerative practices. “The field lectures he delivered not only provided profound insights into conservation and biological control but also sparked a transformative experience within me. Dr. Haller’s dedication and passion for his work have left an indelible mark on my journey, and I am immensely grateful for the privilege to learn from such an esteemed mentor.” 

Hendry visited Kenya from Nikoi Island in Indonesia, a 15 hectare island, with two-thirds of the land preserved as a nature sanctuary. Nikoi’s story has strong echoes of Haller’s, with a keen focus on the importance of people and nature existing in harmony, and driving a positive long term impact for the economy and the environment.  

Returning to Nikoi, Hendry reflected: “The innovative practices and sustainable solutions witnessed in Kenya have provided me with a wealth of ideas and inspiration. I am excited to bring back this newfound knowledge and contribute to the conservation and sustainable farming efforts in my home country.” 

A special thanks to our co-founder and sustainability expert, Julia Hailes, and her husband Jamie Macdonald, for facilitating and sponsoring this exciting initiative and showcasing the potential of transferring sustainable knowledge worldwide.

To Discover more of Julia’s work, click here. To learn more about Nikoi, visit the island’s website here.